Telford Town Park named as one of England's best playgrounds

The park picked up the accolade in the first-ever Play Value Awards, held at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Play Safety Conference.

The awards recognise excellence in the provision of children’s playgrounds, with the quality and variety of play opportunities being assessed.

The winner was chosen by an open vote by delegates at the conference, most of whom manage playgrounds on behalf of local authorities or charities.

Telford Town Park’s play areas provide a variety of equipment that caters for different age groups, with spring animals, slides and swings for toddlers, and giant spider’s web and tyre swing for older children.

This is all complemented by a teenage activity area, all-ability play area, a bandstand and aerial ropes course.

Telford Town Park is a 150-hectare space that attracts about 750,000 visitors per year.

David Yearley, head of RoSPA Play Safety, said: “Huge congratulations to all involved with the park.

"It was a real pleasure to host the UK’s first Play Value Awards at the RoSPA Play Safety Conference this year.

Fabulous

"The awards are part of our commitment to celebrating achievement and promoting excellence in playgrounds and play sites.

"We are very grateful to everyone who took part in the play value awards.”

Councillor Carolyn Healy, Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet member for visitor economy, said “It’s fabulous for Telford Town Park to receive positive recognition for their varied provision of children’s playgrounds.

“The team at Telford Town Park are committed to investing and maintaining these playgrounds for residents in Telford and regional visitors to enjoy, we are looking forward to another busy year.”

The other play sites in contention for the top award were Diana Memorial Playground, Kensington Gardens, London; The Children’s Garden, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; William’s Den, North Cave, East Riding of Yorkshire; and Heaton Park in Manchester.

Sacrewell Farm in Cambridgeshire was voted to be the overall winner.

The sites were shortlisted by RoSPA Play Safety inspectors who visit playgrounds across the country.

The sell-out RoSPA Play Safety Conference was held at the Birmingham Metropole Hotel and was attended by play safety experts and practitioners from across the UK.